This is absolutely key--as a shipper, you have to absolutely make sure that you:
- Have NO open air voids in the package. Use packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or plastic air cushions to make sure that those items have NO space to shift around whatsoever. Open spaces in the package can also allow the package to be crushed inward, damaging items and compromising the structural integrity of a box.
- Wrap each individual item in something to protect against damage, even if it's just wrapped up in taped tissue paper.
- Take special care for fragile items, and consider wrapping them securely in a smaller box within the shipping box.
- Adequately use packing or shipping tape (never scotch tape, masking tape, or duct tape) over every seam.
- Insure expensive items. Track everything.
- Take multiple photos of your packing job and of the packed box prior to shipping in case you need to claim insurance. If your box has a stamp on it indicating the pressure it can withstand, photograph that as well.
- Basically, expect your package to be thrown off a truck into oncoming traffic during a hurricane, followed by an earthquake, and possibly dropped from the Empire State Building and kicked down the streets of New York, and plan accordingly.
I have firsthand horror stories from all different US shipping services, I agree with this completely. But again, many problems begin with shippers not packing properly.
I was shocked when that package arrived to you,
@Skybreeze! I had everything wrapped and arranged so carefully, and how they just inspected it and shoved it all back in was horrifying.